GB2189913A - Word processor - Google Patents

Abstract

The processor incorporates: first memory means for storing nonpermissible characters by dividing them into a plurality of groups; keys 101-103 designating specific groups of nonpermissible characters; second memory means 6 for storing information denoting groups of designated nonpermissible characters; the line-head and/or line- end identification circuit 9. A line decision circuit 10, 11 executes line decisions against the designated groups of nonpermissible characters in accordance with the contents of the second memory when line-head or line-end position is identified by the line-head and/or line-end identification circuit. …<IMAGE>…

Description

GB2189913A 1 SPECIFICATION either at the fine-head or at the line-end of a

line of sentence data.

Word processor Another object of the invention is to provide a novel word processor which stores the non Background of the Invention 70 permissible characters (or symbols) which

The present invention relates to a word pro- should not appear either at the line-head or at cessor which automatically compiles and prints the line-end, divided into a plurality of groups, either Japanese or English text using electronic and allows the operator to determine whether technology such as digital memory and digital or not to apply the line decisions to those logic circuits for example; more particularly, 75 groups.

the present invention relates, to a word pro- Another object of the invention is to provide cessor capable of executing line decisions by a novel word processor which allows the op allowing the operator to freely select a mode erator to freely select any of those nonpermis for processing characters (or symbols) placed sible characters (or symbols) which should not either at the line-head or line-end of a line of 80 be present either at the line-head or at the sentence data in accordance with the specific line-end of a sentence in order that the line requirements of the application being used by decisions can be implemented in accordance the operator. with the selection.

Conventionally, there are a variety of line- A still further object of the invention is to head nonpermissible characters which should 85 provide a novel word processor allowing the not be positioned at the beginning (line-head) operator to select the groups of nonpermissi of a line of sentence data. or ble characters (or symbols) so that line de --- (a Japanese Kana character denoting a dou- cisions suited to a variety of applications can ble consonant), for example. Similarly, there be executed.

are some line-end nonpermissible characters 90 Other objects and further scope of applica which should not be positioned at the end bility of the present invention will become ap (line-end) of a line of sentence data.----, for parent from the detailed description given example. To prevent this, the conventional art hereinafter. It should be understood, however, incorporates a system for automatically exe- that the detailed description and specific cuting line decisions in a word processor. If 95 examples, while indicating preferred embodi either a line-head nonpermissible character or ments of the invention, are given by way of a line-end nonpermissible character is present illustration only, since various changes and at the line-head or at the line-end, this system modifications within the spirit and scope of detects either the line-head character or the the invention will become apparent to those line-end character in order to transfer either of 100 skilled in the art from the following detailed these characters to the fine-end or line-head description.

line-decision region for automatic compilation To achieve the objects mentioned above, of correct, easy to read sentences. the word processor related to the invention On the other hand, in addition to those executes the predetermined line decisions by cited above, there are a number of other non- 105 identifying any nonpermissible characters or permissible characters. Conventional word pro- symbols either in the line- head or in the line cessors execute the line decisions cited above end before compiling the memory content.

against all the predetermined nonpermissible The word processor related to the invention characters. incorporates: the first memory, storing nonperHowever, when operating a word processor, 110 missible characters or symbols by classifying the operator may desire to select one or more them into a plurality of groups according to of the nonpermissible characters for a specific their type; keys indicating each group of non application. For example, he may desire to use permissible characters; the second memory, only the period or comma, or a combination storing data denoting the group of the nonper- of period, comma, parentheses, and the conmissible characters indicated by these keys; tracted sound symbols. and the line decision circuit, executing the in Conventional word processors merely have tended line decisions. The line decision circuit the function for uniformly executing line de- identifies the groups of nonpermissible charac cisions against the predetermined nonpermissi- ters and symbols stored in these memories ble characters; they do not give the operator 120 before eventually executing the necessary line the option of selecting the desired nonpermis- decisions in accordance with data from the sible characters if required. first memory related to the designated nonper missible characters (or symbols).

Summary of the Invention

The primary object of the present invention 125 Brief Description of the Drawings is to provide a novel word processor incorpo- The present invention will be better under rating a function for executing line decisions stood from the detailed description given which allows the operator to freely select any hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings, of those nonpermissible characters (or sym- which are given by way of illustration only and bols) which should not normally be present 130 thus are not limitative of the invention, in 2 GB2189913A 2 which: end for composing sentences in correct style.

FIG. 1 is the simplified block diagram of the For example, those characters which should entire constitution of the word processor re- not be set to the line-head and the line-end lated to the present invention; are respectively called the -line-head nonper- FIG. 2 is the constitution of tables contain- 70 missible characters- and the -line-end nonper ing nonpermissible characters; missible characters---. Needless to say, these FIG. 3 is the diagram denoting the state in nonpermissible characters include a variety of which data input by a key designating the symbols. The keys of the input keyboard 1 group of nonpermissible characters is allocated designating the group of nonpermissible char- to the flag bit of memory which stores this 75 acters allows the operator to select one or data; more of tables A, B, and C to be input, so FIG. 4 is the operation flowchart describing that he can, for example, choose either table the sequential steps for executing the line de- A alone, or combine tables A and B or tables cisions in the controller; and A, B, and C together as required.

FIG. 5 is the simplified block diagram of the 80 When the operator operates the keys of the word processor reflecting one of the preferred input keyboard designating the group of nonembodiments of the invention. permissible characters, the memory (flag) 3 of the controller 2 stores the data selected by Detailed Description of the Invention the operator. FIG. 3 shows the constitution of 20 FIG. 1 is the simplified block diagram denot- 85 memory (flag) 3. The memory 3 stores data ing the entire constitution of the word proces- of a variety of flags. Bit 301 denotes the efsor related to the present invention. A input fective bit of table A. Bits 302 and 303 rekeyboard 1 is provided with Kana character spectively denote the effective bits of tables B keys, character compilation control keys, and and C. Entry of--- 1---into each bit denotes that a plurality of keys for designating the groups 90 the corresponding table has been selected.

of nonpermissible characters. A controller 2 In accordance with data shown in FIG. 3, controls the character compiling operations the controller 2 first identifies nonpermissible and the entire system operations as well. The characters by following the steps of the oper controller 2 incorporates a memory (flag) 3, ation flowchart shown in FIG. 4 before execut- which stores data input via those keys desig- 95 ing the designated line decisions.

nating group of nonpermissible characters. A Specifically, when step S1 is entered, the sentence memory 4 stores sentence data in- controller 2 first checks flag bit 301 of table put via the input keyboard 1. A either in the line-head or line-end line de A display unit 5 displays the input sentence cision. If table A is selected, operation mode data. A nonpermissible character table 6 100 enters step S2, where the controller 2 checks stores nonpermissible characters by classifying to see if any of the nonpermissible characters these into a plurality of groups, such as tables stored in table A is in the nonpermissible re A, B, and C shown in FIG. 2 for example. gion, that is, at the line-head or line-end. If an As shown in FIG. 2 (1), table A of an non- nonpermissible character from table A is pre- permissible characters table 5 stores period, 105 sent in the nonpermissible region, operation comma, colon, etc. as nonpermissible charac- mode proceeds from step S3 directly to step ters (Here, nonpermissible characters indicate S 10 to allow the controller 2 to execute the characters and symbols); table B of FIG. 2 (2) line decisions.

stores parentheses as nonpermissible charac- If table A has not been selected during step ters; and table C of FIG. 2 (3) stores con- 110 S1 or no nonpermissible character is present tracted sound symbols as nonpermissible during step S2, operation mode proceeds to characters. The characters stored in Table A step S4, where the controller 2 checks to see are processed as line-head nonpermissible if table B has been selected by referring to characters; the characters stored in table B flag bit 302 of table B. If table B has already are processed as line-end nonpermissible char- 115 been selected, then operation mode proceeds acters; and the characters stored in Table C to step S5. Conversely, if table B has not are processed as line-head/line-end nonper- been selected, then operation mode proceeds missible characters. The term -line decisions- to step S7.

denotes the process for shifting any of those While step S5 is underway, the controller 2 nonpermissible characters (or symbols) in linechecks to see whether or not any of the non head or line-end pre-determined regions either permissible characters stored in table B is pre to the line-end of the preceding line or to the sent in the nonpermissible region. If an non iine-head of the following line. permissible character from table B is present The term---nonpermissible character- in the in this region, operation mode proceeds from preferred embodiments of the present inven- 125 step S6 to step S 10, where the controller 2 tion denotes any of those characters or sym- executes the line decisions. If no nonpermissi bols which should not be set to the beginning ble character from table B is present in the or the end of respective lines, that means any nonpermissible region, operation mode then of those characters or symbols which should proceeds from step S6 to step S7. When be deleted from either the line-head or line- 130 step S7 is entered, the controller 2 checks to 3 GB2189913A 3 see if table C has been selected by referring of characters per line is stored in an area 801 to flag bit 303 of table C. If table C has of the format memory 8. Simultaneous with already been selected, operation mode pro- the entry of the plurality of nonpermissible ceeds to step S8. If table C has not been character groups 601, 602, and 603 stored in selected, the controller 2 then terminates the 70 the nonpermissible character memory 6, the above serial operation. group entered is submitted to the actual line While step S8 is underway, the controller 2 decisions needed for compiling the planned checks to see whether or not any of the non- sentence, using an nonpermissible character permissible characters stored in table C is pregroup designation key 101, 102, or 103, non- sent in the nonpermissible region. If an non- 75 permissible character designation data is permissible character from fable C is present stored in area 301, 302, or 303 of nonper in the nonpermissible region, operation mode missible character designation memory 3.

then proceeds from step S7 to step S10, (When the line decisions is executed, binary where the controller 2 executes the line decode---1---is stored in the memory 3. Binary cisions. Conversely, if no nonpermissible char- 80 code -0- is stored in the memory 3 when acter is present in the nonpermissible region, the line decisions is not executed.) Unless after completing step S9, the controller 2 ter- new data is input, that data which was previ minates the above serial operation. ously input to the format memory 8 and the As mentioned above, the operator can senonpermissible character group designation lect any group of nonpermissible characters by 85 memory 3 may also be used without modifica operating the input keys to enter data denot- tion, or only the entire content of the memory ing the group of nonpermissible characters 3 may always be cleared.

into the memory 3. Thus, it is possible for the Next, simultaneous with the input of the operator to execute line decisions to suit a planned sentence via the input keyboard 1, variety of word processor applications. Fur- 90 the sentence is converted into corresponding thermore, the word processor related to the character codes, which are then stored in the invention executes the line decisions by effec- sentence memory 4. The sentence data from tively applying the bit constitution shown in the sentence memory 4 is then delivered to a FIG. 3 even if the number of groups of non- line-head and line-end detection circuit 9, in- permissible characters is increased. 95 corporating a counter 901 which counts the Referring now more particularly to FIG. 5, a number of characters of the output sentence.

preferred embodiment of the word processor The line-head and line-end detection circuit 9 related to the present invention is described is provided with specific information corre below. The word processor related to the in- sponding to the number of characters per line, vention is substantially provided with the fol- 100 stored in the format memory 8. This circuit lowing: the input keyboard 1 composed of the detects the line-head and the line-end by com first key group 13, comprising character keys paring the number counted by the counter suited to the language and required versatility 901 to the number of characters in a line.

of the word processor (e.g. Japanese Kana Signal output from the linehead and line-end character keys and/or alphabetical (roman) 105 detection circuit 9 is delivered to an nonper character keys), digital keys, symbol keys in- missible character identification circuit 10, cluding parentheses, period, comma, colon, which identifies whether or not those charac and the like, and a variety of compilation con- ters within the predetermined range (5 to 7 trol keys, and the second key group 14, comcharacters) from either the line-head or the prising nonpermissible-character-group desig- 110 line-end are nonpermissible characters. It also nation keys 101, 102, and 103; the memory identifies whether or not the character at the 4 which stores sentence information input fine-head or the line-end is one of the predet from the input keyboard 1; three units of the ermined nonpermissible characters. In other memory 6 (601, 602, and 603) which store words, the nonpermissible character identifica- nonpermissible characters and symbols classition circuit 10 first identifies to which group fied into three groups; the controller 2 which of the nonpermissible character memory 6, controls all the operations of the input key- from 601 to 603, the line- head or line-end board 1 and memories 4 and 6; and the dis- character belongs, and then it identifies play means 5 such as cathode ray tube (CRT) whether the identified group is designated as or liquid crystal display (LCD) which display 120 nonpermissible in the nonpermissible character sentence information controlled by the control- designation memory 3 before eventually iden ler 2. tifying whether or not either the line-head Next, the function of the controller 2 is de- character or the line-end character is one of scribed below. First, before entry of the sen- the predetermined nonpermissible characters.

tence, when a specific format (which is infor- 125 This circuit may also use another method to mation denoting the paper size and the num- identify nonpermissible line- head characters or ber of characters per line, needed for compil- line-end characters. First identify which one of ing the sentence) is entered via the keyboard a plurality of nonpermissible character groups 1, this a format is stored in a format memory is designated as nonpermissible by referring to 8 of the controller 2. Specifically, the number 130the contents of the nonpermissible designation 4 GB2189913A 4 memory, and comparing the character codes character of a specific group under the non of the characters stored under the nonpermispermissible designation. For example, the op sible designation group and the character erator first inputs a character from which he codes of the characters at the line-head and wishes to remove the nonpermissible designa the line-end before eventually determining the 70 tion and then presses the nonpermissible de presence or absence of nonpermissible charac- signation key to delete the character from the ters. nonpermissible designation memory. Note that If one of the characters within the predeter- a character may have its nonpermissible desig mined region (including the line-head and line- nation removed temporarily. By repeating this end) match with any of the characters in 75 operation, the deleted character is again desig groups 601, 602 or 603, which contain non- nated as an nonpermissible character. In addi permissible characters specified by the non- tion, if it is necessary to apply line decisions permissible character designation memory 3, to any character which is not included in the then signal output from the nonpermissible group due to an nonpermissible designation, character identification circuit 10 is delivered 80 either an additional memory for storing this to a line decision processing circuit 11, which character which requires nonpermissible desig then executes a line decisions to shift the nation can be provided, or the character may nonpermissible character from the predeter- be stored in the existing nonpermissible char mined region of the sentence (including the acter memory. In other words, any individual line-head or the lineend) before compiling the 85 nonpermissible character can easily be se planned sentence. After necessary line de- lected by reading into or deleting from the cisions, the line-head and line-end detection nonpermissible character memory.

circuit 9 detects either the line-head or the The above preferred embodiment of the in line-end of the following line, starting from vention stores nonpermissible characters in either the character to which line decision is 90 the nonpermissible character memory 6 by applied or the following character. classifying these into three groups; line-head The sentence data on which line decisions nonpermissible characters, line- end nonpermis have been made (or were not needed) is again sible characters, and line- head/line-end non stored in the sentence memory 4. Instead of permissible characters, respectively. The mem using the identical memory 4, the sentence 95 ory may also be classified into more than data initially input via the input keyboard 1, three groups and an additional nonpermissible and the sentence data on which line decisions character memory may also be provided as have been completed, may be stored in separequired.

rate memories. If the nonpermissible character Basically, the above preferred embodiments identification circuit 10 does not designate 100 of the invenfion refer to examples using a characters at the iine-head or line-end of a line Japanese-language word processor. However of sentence data to be nonpermissible, the the constitution of these preferred embodi sentence data is then directly delivered to the ments can also effectively be applied to word sentence memory 4 without being routed to processors using other languages. Note that the line-decision processing circuit 11. Finally, 105 those characters belonging to respective all the sentence data, including data complete groups of the non- permissible character mem with the line decisions, is delivered to the dis- ory shown in FIG. 2 are provided for use with play means 5 via a display processing circuit a Japanese-language word processor. When 12 to allow the sentences to be displayed. applying the above embodiments of the inven- In addition, it is also possible for the pre- 110 tion to word processors dealing with English, ferred embodiment of the invention to first the characters in tables A and B shown in convert the keyboard-input sentence into charFIG. 2 are generally made available for control acter codes by means of the character code ling nonpermissible characters. As is clear conversion circuit 7 for delivery to the fine- from the above description according to the head and line-end detection circuit 9 before 115 preferred embodiments of the invention, the storing those sentences, complete with all the operator can select any group of nonpermissi designated processes, into the sentence mem- ble characters while using a word processor ory 4. so that line decisions suited for a variety of The above preferred embodiment of the in- applications can easily and effectively be exe vention allows the nonpermissible character 120 cuted.

memory to internally store the characters While only certain embodiments of the pre generally determined to be nonpermissible by sent invention have been described, it will be classifying them into a plurality of groups, apparent to those skilled in the art that vari while it also allows unpermissibe designation ous changes and modifications may be made of characters by keyboard entry to determine 125 therein without departing from the spirit and whether or not the nonpermissible characters scope of the present invention as claimed.

of each group should be submitted to line de

Claims (1)

1. cisions. In addition, the preferred embodiment CLAIMS also provides a

   specific function for removing 1, A word processor comprising; the nonpermissible designation from a specific 130 first key means for entering character infor- GB2189913A 5 mation substantially making up sentence infor- groups.

   mation; 6. The word processor of claim 5, wherein first memory means for storing said charac- said groups of nonpermissible characters are ter information; divided line-head nonpermissible character, second key means for entering the number 70 Une-end nonpermissible character, and line of characters per line to be input in accor- head/line-end nonpermissible character groups.

   dance with said character information; 7. A system for selecting nonpermissible second memory means for storing informa- characters in a word processor which sequen tion corresponding to the number of charactially stores the input character information ters input from said second key input means; 75 into memory means,; identifies whether the in third memory means for storing nonpermis- put character information includes any nonper sible characters by dividing them into a plural- missible character at either the line head or ity of groups; the line end; detects and holds the input posi line decisions designation key means for de- tion in the length of a line being set,; identi signating which one of the plurality of groups 80 fies whether the input character is in the non of nonpermissible characters be subjected to permissible region either in the line head or line decisions when entering character informa- the line end; executes the predetermined line tion; decisions when identifying the nonpermissible fourth memory means for storing informa- character at the line head or the line end at tion indicating whether or not to apply line 85 the time of line-head or line-end detection and decisions to said group of nonpermissible finally compiles the content of memory means; characters, in response to designation by said wherein said system comprises; nonpermissible character designation key a plurality of tables storing nonpermissible means; characters by dividing them into a plurality of detection means for detecting either the line 90groups; head or the line end by first counting the a plurality of keys designating said groups number of characters of character information containing nonpermissible characters; input by said first key means which is fol- memory means for storing information de lowed by comparison of the counted number noting groups of nonPermissible characters; of characters with the number of characters 95 and stored in said second memory means; controller capable of executing line de identifying means for identifying which one cisions; of said nonpermissible character groups be wherein said system allows said controller subjected to the line decisions in response to to identify groups of nonpermissible characters information, stored in said fourth memory 100 stored in said memory means before execut means, on whether or not to apply line de- ing the designated line decisions in accordance cisions; with said tables.

   means for identifying whether a character, 8. A word processor comprising set within the predetermined range from either means for inputting character data repre the line head or the line-end detected by said 105 senting fines of text; detection means, belongs to a specific group means for determining the character or char of nonpermissible characters subject to line acters located at a predetermined position in decisions, in response to the judgement each text line; reached by said identification means; and means, operable to perform a line decision line decisions means for executing line de- 110 for determining whether the presence of said cisions against said group of nonpermissible character or characters at said position is ac characters in accordance with the judgement ceptable; reached by said identification means. means operable if such presence is unaccep 2. The word processor of claim 1, wherein table, for resetting the characters, without re- further comprising; display means for displayordering them, to an acceptable arrangement; ing sentence information composed of charac- and ter information including the line-head and linemeans for selectively predetermining end characters on which said line decisions whether or not said line decision is to be has been made. performed.

   3. The word processor of claim 1, wherein 120 9. A word processor according to claim 8, further comprising; key means for deleting including a memory for storing a group of characters from said group of nonpermissible non-permissible characters, said line decision characters. being such as to determine whether or not 4. The word processor of claim 1, wherein the character or characters at said predeter- further comprising; key means for designating 125 mined position is or are within said group.

   addition of characters to said group of non- 10. A word processor according to claim 9 permissible characters. wherein said memory is arranged to store a 5. The word processor of claim 1, wherein plurality of groups of non- permissible charac said groups of nonpermissible characters are ters; wherein said line decision performing stored in memory means by being divided in 130 means is operable to perform a first line de- 6 GB2189913A 6 cision for identifying the presence of a character or characters from one said character group at a first position in a text line, and to perform a second line decision for identifying the presence of a character or characters from another said character group at a second position in a text line; and wherein said selectively predetermining means is operable for independently selecting operation or non-operation of said first and second line decisions.

   11. A word processor comprising means for inputting character data representing lines of text; means for determining the character or characters located at a predetermined position in each text line; means operable to perform a line decision for determining whether the character, or any of the characters, at said predetermined posi- tion lies in a predetermined group of non-per- missible characters; means, operable in dependence upon the result of the line decision, for resetting the characters; and 25 means for selectively altering the contents of said group of non-permissible characters. 12. A word processor substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Printed for Her Majesty's Stationery Office by Burgess & Son (Abingdon) Ltd, Dd 8991685, 1987. Published at The Patent Office, 25 Southampton Buildings, London, WC2A 'I AY, from which copies may be obtained.

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